Archives for November 2016

Good morning,

Romans 13 was written while Rome ruled. Rome believed they were all powerful and invincible. Rebellion meant imprisonment and death. Jews and Christians were considered rebels and watched closely. So, when Paul begins to teach about civil authority, he had to be very careful what and how he said it.

God ordains civil government. Believers in Christ are subject to these governments. Resisting the government is resisting God. We are to render honor, tribute, fear, and custom to those in authority.

Then Paul tells the Roman’s they must love one another. That meant the hated Roman army. Rome had the ability to give and take life.

He also makes it clear that as believers in Christ we have a responsibility to let the world see Jesus in us. We are to put off wickedness and put on Jesus Christ. Allowing the love Christ to shine through and open opportunities to witness for our Savior.

LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW (13:8-14)

“⁸ Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.⁹ For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.¹⁰ Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.¹¹ And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.¹² The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.¹³ Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.¹⁴ But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.”

Does our light shine so brightly that people want to know what makes us different? Do we love our brothers in Christ? Do we love the lost? Do we walk in the light or in darkness?

Chapter 13 contrasts our relationship to our civil authority and to each other. Love never fails.

Go tell someone about Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Romans 13 was written while Rome ruled. Rome believed they were all powerful and invincible. Rebellion meant imprisonment and death. Jews and Christians were considered rebels and watched closely. So when Paul begins to teach about civil authority, he had to be very careful what and how he said it.

God ordains civil government. Believers in Christ are subject to these governments. Resisting the government is resisting God. We are to render honor, tribute, fear, and custom to those in authority.

CHRISTIANS SUBJECT TO CIVIL AUTHORITY (13:1-7)

“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.² Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.³ For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:⁴ For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.⁵ Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.⁶ For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.⁷ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.”

We have a choice to make. Our election has just concluded. Are we willing to be subject to our civil authorities whether we agree or not? If not, do we believe God will damn us? Are we willing to pay our taxes and obey the laws of our land? Remember that there are consequences for our failure to follow our government leaders.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

The life that we live today is temporary. Believers in Christ know that soon we will either exit by death or the rapture and end up in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ for all eternity. Today’s devotional contrasts the present and the future.

Three inscriptions!

(J.C. Pittman, “Bible Truths Illustrated” 1917)

Over the triple doorways of a European Cathedral, there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches.

Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the lettering:
“All which pleases us–is but for a moment.”

Over the other arch is sculptured a cross, and there are the words:
“All which troubles us–is but for a moment.”

But on the great central entrance to the main aisle, is the inscription:
“That alone is important, which is eternal.”

If we always realize these three truths, we would not let trifles trouble us;
nor would we be so much interested in the passing pageants of the hour.
We would live, as we do not now–for the permanent and the eternal.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.
For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal!” 2 Corinthians 4:18

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Where are our eyes fixed? On the seen or unseen? On the present or on the eternal. This world is not our home. We should be looking forward to our heavenly home and our Savior Jesus Christ.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This is a wonderful devotional on “thanksgiving”. Remember we should be giving thanks to God on a continual basis.

“Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!” Ephesians 5:20
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One day, Johann Tauler of Strosbourg met a peasant and greeted him, “God give you a good day, my friend!”

The peasant answered briskly, “I thank God that I never have a bad day!”

Tauler, astonished, kept silent for a moment. Tauler then added, “God give you a happy life, my friend.”

The peasant replied composedly, “I thank God that I am never unhappy!”

“Never unhappy!” cried Tauler bewildered, “What do you mean?”

“Well,” came the reply, “When it is sunshine—I thank God; and when it rains-–I thank God. When I have plenty—I thank God; and when I am hungry—I thank God. Since God’s will is my will, and whatever pleases God pleases me—I am never unhappy.”

Tauler looked upon him with awe. “Who are you?” he asked.

“I am a king!” said the peasant.

“A king?” Tauler asked, “Where is your kingdom?”

The peasant smiled and whispered softly, “In my heart!”

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“Thank you consists of just eight letters that form two of the most meaningful words in the English vocabulary.”
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“Counting up our mercies and our every-day reasons for gratitude, looking at the hundred little things and large things–we do not know where to end the list. The only thing to do, is to live always in an atmosphere sweet and vital with thanksgiving!”
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“Be thankful for the small things–the trivial things and the mundane things!”
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“If anyone would tell you the shortest, surest way to happiness–he must tell you to make it a rule to yourself to thank and praise God for everything that happens to you.”
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“Have an attitude of gratitude. Don’t wait till Thanksgiving.”
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“Everything short of Hell is mercy!”
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“God is glorified, not by our complaining’s, but by our thanksgivings.”
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“We can always find something to be thankful for. There are reasons why we ought to be thankful for even those dispensations which appear dark and frowning.”
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“A cheerful heart has a continual feast!” Proverbs 15:15

“Be thankful to Him, and bless His name!” Psalm 100:4
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving day. It is a day that is set aside for our nation to give thanks for all God has given us. Most will be focused on football, turkey, and naps. As believers in Christ, God has blessed us abundantly. Maybe we should thank Him.

Why are we thankful? 

Thanksgiving is the word that should characterize our lives. What makes us thankful?

Family, loved ones, jobs, recreational opportunities. We also should be thankful for the freedoms we have. We have the freedom to express ourselves, political freedom, ability to elect our representatives, and to attend and worship as we please.

God gave us a free will to choose to follow Him or Satan. He laid out His standard in the Bible. He tells us how the world was created, why one man’s transgression has made us all sinners, the result of that sin, how the conflict in the Middle East started, the creation of the nation of Israel, the history of the nation of Israel, the need for a blood sacrifice, and the ultimate redeemer who came to die, being the one time blood sacrifice for all mankind, Jesus Christ. So we should be thankful that God gave us the Bible.

Jesus is the Holy Son of God. Never sinned, never did any wickedness, creator of all things. Then God did something special for each of us by sending Jesus to earth to pay our sin debt with His own blood. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17) We should be thankful that God gave us His Son as Savior for all mankind.

God made sure that salvation was of faith not works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) God made accepting Jesus easy. “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” We should be thankful for salvation through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you are interested in knowing more about the Bible, Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection on your behalf, or how to make this happen in your life, call or email me.

What are you thankful for?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 12 challenges us to live for Christ. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, no longer live for the world, remember that we are part of the body of believers, we have specific responsibilities as a believer, and ultimately how we treat unbelievers.

Christians Love and Fellowship with Other Christians (12:9-16)

“9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”

Christian love requires action. It is God’s desire that believers in Christ demonstrate their Christianity. Does the list above characterize our walk with Christ? If not, we might need to ask God if we are missing something.

How to Treat Outsiders (12:17-21)

“17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ”

CONCLUSION

* Present your body a living sacrifice

* Be not conformed to this world

* Renewed mind

* One body, many functions

* Christian responsibilities

* Treat others well

We need to allow God to work in us and then allow Him to work through us to minister to the lives of others. During the upcoming weeks, we have an opportunity to tell our friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers about the birth and life of Jesus Christ. It is our responsibility to clearly convey why Jesus birth was so special, unique, and life changing.

May God give us fruit for our labors.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

 

Good morning,

Romans 12 challenges us to live for Christ. We must present our bodies as living sacrifices, no longer live for the world, remember that we are part of the body of believers, we have specific responsibilities as a believer, and ultimately how we treat unbelievers.

The Christian’s Body a Living Sacrifice (12:1-2)

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Christians are Members of the Same Body (12:3-8) Read 1 Corinthians 12:12-31

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.

This challenges to think about our lives. Are we living as “living sacrifices”? The Old Testament sacrifices were dead before they were offered. The blood was sprinkled on the altar and once a year in the Holy of Holies.

We have the opportunity to make a positive difference for God. As living sacrifices we have the ability to invoke life into others. Through a gospel witness, encouragement, exhortation, or just a positive attitude. The unsaved world and the church are watching what kind of sacrifice we are.

What kind will we be?

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

*****NO DAILY DEVOTION 17-18 NOVEMBER 2016. *****

Good morning,

Please meditate on these “pithy gems” from John Calvin and Matthew Henry.

Short pithy gems from John Calvin!

Man’s heart, so to speak, is a perpetual factory of idols!
When the Bible speaks–God speaks!

Nothing, including human suffering, happens by chance.

No one will calmly and quietly submit to bear the cross–except those who have learned to seek their happiness beyond this world!

Without the fear of God–men do not even observe justice among themselves!

The human heart has so many crannies where vanity hides, so many holes where falsehood works, and is so decked out with deceiving hypocrisy–that it often dupes itself!

Short pithy gems from the Puritan Matthew Henry

We cannot expect too little from man–nor too much from God!

A life spent in the service of God and communion with Him, is the most pleasant life that anyone can live in this world.

The Bible is a letter God has sent to us.
Prayer is a letter we send to Him.

We should take heed of pride–it is the sin that turned angels into devils!

God is either your best friend–or your worst enemy.

Knowledge is vain and fruitless–which is not reduced to practice.

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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

These are the sayings of great men from the past. What was true hundreds of years ago, is still true today. Read, enjoy, and allow the Holy Spirit to convict!

Short pithy gems from Jonathan Edwards!

Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs!
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Almost every man who hears of Hell–flatters himself that he shall escape it.
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The godly are destined for inconceivable happiness!
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Remember that pride is the worst viper in the heart–and the greatest disturber of the soul’s peace and sweet communion with Christ. Pride was the first sin that ever was. Pride is the most difficult sin to root out. It is the most hidden, secret and deceitful of all lusts. It often insensibly creeps into the midst of religion, and sometimes under the disguise of humility!
Short pithy gems from Charles Spurgeon!

If Christ has died for me–then I cannot trifle with the sin which killed my best Friend!
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An ounce of heart knowledge–is worth more than a ton of head learning!
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Amusement should be used to do us good ‘like a medicine.” It must never be used as the food of the man. Many have had all holy thoughts and gracious resolutions stamped out by perpetual trifling. Pleasure, so called, is the murderer of thought. This is the age of excessive amusement–everybody craves for it, like a babe for its rattle!
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Long ago I ceased to count heads. Truth is usually in the minority in this evil world!
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Look to the cross, and hate your sin–for sin nailed your Well-Beloved to the tree!
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We need to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to us. We need to see this world as more of a mission field than an amusement park. Do our hearts yearn to see people get saved and go to heaven? Do we spend our time in worldly pursuits or those that honor God?

Stop and consider and move forward in your service for our Lord Jesus.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This devotional is a good reminder that strife is bad for our churches, our personal relationships, our families, and us.

There is an old legend that tells of Hercules encountering a strange animal on a narrow road!

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice.” Romans 1:29

There is an old legend that tells of Hercules encountering a strange animal on a narrow road. He struck it with his club and passed along. Soon the animal overtook him–now three times as large as before. Hercules struck it fast and furiously, but the more he clubbed the beast, the larger it grew!

Then Pallas appeared to Hercules and warned him to stop. “The monster’s name is Strife,” he said. “Let it alone and it will soon become as little as at first.”

“For where you have envy and strife–there you find disorder and every evil practice!” James 3:16

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved–clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14

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Satan creates the climate for strife. We may allow strife to rule our lives or reject it. Love is the antidote for strife.

Choose love!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001